Regional Policy Context

The Regional Development Strategy (RDS) deals with the issues that link the natural and the built heritage. It recognises that a range of statutory measures is appropriate, such as designations for conservation and protection, while promoting good stewardship of all our environmental resources and cultural heritage. The RDS aims to encourage appreciation and care of both the natural and man-made elements within the environment together by:

conserving the natural environment;

protecting and managing the Northern Ireland coastline; and

conserving the built environment.

The Department's regional planning policies for the protection of conservation interests in Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough are currently set out in PPS 2: Planning and Nature Conservation, and PPS 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage. PPS 2 contains policies for the hierarchy of sites of nature conservation importance. It also addresses trees and woodlands, protection of species and peatlands. PPS 6 contains policies for archaeological sites and monuments and listed buildings, conservation areas and historic parks, gardens and demesnes. It also addresses non-listed vernacular buildings, areas of character and industrial heritage features. A public consultation draft Addendum to PPS6 relates to development proposals, including demolition, in Areas of Townscape Character.

Plan Policy CON 1 Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance

Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance are designated at the following locations:

Special consideration will be given to the protection of nature conservation interests on or adjacent to these sites when determining planning applications. Planning permission will not normally be granted to development proposals that would have a significant detrimental effect on the intrinsic nature conservation interests of the site. Where a development is permitted which would adversely affect such interests, the Department will endeavour to ensure that effects are kept to a minimum and/or appropriate mitigation measures are agreed.

Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance are identified based on their flora, fauna or earth science interest, and are designated in the Plan, in accordance with PPS 2. In assessing development proposals on or adjacent to these sites, priority will normally be given to the protection of their nature conservation interests. Where development can be accommodated, planning permission will normally be subject to conditions in order to protect the conservation interest or to provide appropriate mitigation measures. Where appropriate, developers may be asked to enter a planning agreement under Article 40 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 to secure these outcomes.

These designated Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance are detailed in Appendix 4 and are indicated by symbol on the Borough Map Nos.1 a and 1 b, with exact boundaries shown on Map Nos. 2 - 52.

Plan Policy CON 2 Local Landscape Policy Areas

Local Landscape Policy Areas are designated in and adjoining Dungannon, Coalisland and the following villages:

Planning permission will not normally be granted to development proposals that would adversely affect the intrinsic environmental value, integrity and character of these areas.

There is a need to respect and protect the natural and man-made environment in and adjoining Dungannon, Coalisland and the Borough's villages where development pressures are normally greatest. Local Landscape Policy Areas (LLPAs) are those areas within or adjoining settlements that are considered to be of greatest amenity value, landscape quality or local significance and therefore worthy of protection from undesirable or damaging development. They may include:

archaeological sites and monuments and their surroundings;

listed and other locally important buildings and their surroundings;

river banks and shore lines and associated public access;

attractive vistas, localised hills and other areas of local amenity importance; and

areas of local nature conservation importance, including areas of woodland and important tree groups.

LLPAs within Dungannon, Coalisland and the Borough's villages will help to ensure that new development does not dominate their distinctive landscape and townscape characteristics. They can also function as buffer zones between different uses and help reduce the likelihood of over-intensive development. LLPAs located beyond the limits of these settlements will help protect those features considered of greatest importance to the local landscape setting. The use of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) will be considered for those LLPAs where trees contribute significantly to visual amenity or where trees are considered under threat from development. Where river banks are included within LLPAs, as part of any development proposal, the Department will normally require provision of access to the river corridor. A landscape buffer may also be required between any development and the river corridor to maintain its intrinsic environmental value.

The boundaries of LLPAs are identified on the Dungannon Town Centre Map No. 61 b and the relevant settlement maps. Further information on each LLPA is set out in Part 3 of the Plan.

Plan Policy CON 3 Areas of Archaeological Potential

Areas of Archaeological Potential are designated in Dungannon and within the following villages:

Within these areas, developers will normally be required to submit an archaeological assessment or an archaeological evaluation in association with planning applications.

These areas indicate to developers that, on the basis of current knowledge, it is likely that archaeological remains will be encountered in the course of future development or change within the area.

Within these areas, developers will therefore normally be required to provide an archaeological assessment or evaluation in support of a planning application to allow informed and reasonable decisions to be taken. Where it is decided to grant planning permission, this will normally be conditional on archaeological mitigation in accordance with regional planning policy as set out in PPS 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage. Developers are strongly advised to liaise with the Department before submitting any proposals within these areas.

The boundaries of Areas of Archaeological Potential are identified on the relevant settlement maps.